Penn State accreditation in jeopardy due to abuse scandal

Aug 14 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania State University has beenwarned it could lose its accreditation because of the child sexscandal involving former assistant football coach JerrySandusky.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education told PennState last week that its accreditation was in jeopardy becauseof the findings of an independent investigation into theSandusky scandal and sanctions imposed on the high-profilefootball program.

Accreditation guarantees the educational standards of auniversity and the validity of its degrees. It is crucial fordrawing students and receiving public financing.

Penn State "remains accredited while on warning," thecommission said in an Aug. 8 letter to university PresidentRodney Erickson that the school made public.

There also is "insufficient evidence" that Penn State is incompliance with requirements on government policies and onintegrity and providing information to the panel, it said.

Penn State must submit a monitoring report by Sept. 30, thecommission said. The report also must address the school'sability to pay financial settlements and other obligations.

Sandusky, a former Penn State defensive coordinator, wasconvicted in June on 45 counts of child molestation, includingincidents in Penn State locker rooms. He is in jail awaitingsentencing.

Two university officials face charges of perjury and failureto report suspected abuse.

Erickson said in a statement on Monday that he was confidentthat Penn State would provide documentation to the commission bythe Sept. 30 deadline.

"I am confident that we will fully demonstrate our fiscalstability," he said. Penn State faces a $60 million fine imposedby the National Collegiate Athletic Association as well as legaland publicity costs and potential settlements in the Sanduskycase.

The Middle States Commission accredits colleges anduniversities in the Middle States region, which includesPennsylvania.